Horseback Riding in Roatan, Honduras: Tips and Review

One of the excursions we took on our recent trip on Norwegian Escape was horseback riding on the beach in Roatan, Honduras. We chose the description on the cruise website of the experience sounded amazing – you will ride the horses on the beach and go into the water. “The horses love a refreshing dip in the sea and you will love the thrill of the experience.” The excursion also includes a few hours on the private beach.

Unlike with my posts about Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Grand Cayman, I will not go into too much detail about the island and its history – I don’t feel like I learned a lot on this trip. Instead, I would like to give some tips for those who are going on a similar excursion so that you don’t feel underprepared. 

Horseback Riding in Roatan, Honduras 

What You Should Wear to Go Horseback Riding in Roatan?

When we got off the ship, I didn’t feel like I had enough information – should I wear flip flops? Should I wear shorts or jeans? I will be getting into the water, but I will also be rising a horse… How do you prepare for this? I asked one of the guides and was told that the only thing you need to worry about was wearing closed-toed shoes. So I went back to the ship to change shoes, hoping that’s all I need. That was not the case. 

In fact, since the horse was going to be going into the water, the best thing to do is to wear closed-toe water shoes. You can wear shoes like this or simply bring crocs. And, since I brought my tennis shoes, I had to rent crocs once I got to the beach club. They weren’t too expensive to rent, but I wish I knew beforehand. In terms of what to wear, I would recommend wearing light knee-length shorts and a t-shirt. You will be in the water up to your knees, so I would recommend wearing something that dries up fast and also is comfortable for horseback riding. 

What to Take With You to Go Horseback Riding in Roatan?

Take a Waterproof Phone Case

First, I wish I had a waterproof phone case to hang on my neck. We were told to leave our phones and anything that can fall into the water in our bags, so I wasn’t able to take any pictures of the experience. I brought my GoPro, but without the head strap, I had to leave it as well. And since we had to leave all of our valuables in the bag, we had to rent a locker.

Bottom line: make sure you can bring all of your valuables on you in the waterproof pouch, then you won’t have to rent a locker.

Bring a Big Beach Bag

You should take a beach bag big enough for towels and maybe a change of clothes since you will be getting into the water.

Other than that, don’t forget to take all of the other necessities that I usually recommend in my Cruise Packing List. 

What to Expect When You Go Horseback Riding in Roatan?

When you get off the ship, you will join your small team in a 45-minute bus ride to the beach club. If you leave at a later time, you will have to wait for a while until it’s your time to ride the horses. That’s why I would recommend booking the earliest available time to have more time at the beach afterward. 

The one thing I didn’t like is how expensive everything there is. If you are going, take some snacks with you – food is very expensive and a just pineapple drink is $20. If you want to buy souvenirs, wait until you have time at the port, there you will also find wifi. 

Let me know how was your horseback riding experience in Roatan in the comments below. I would love to hear what you thought!